Joe Dowley is enjoying his new role in charge at Sittingbourne even if management has come earlier than he expected.

The 28-year-old defender is working alongside Bryan Glover and Bradley Spice at Bourne Park, with the trio now unbeaten after three games in charge.

Dowley, a cost lawyer in the City of London, said: "I wanted to do it and aim to give it my best my shot.

"The three of us are doing it together but I have the final say on team selection. It’s been a bit of a shock at times realising what goes with the job but the chairman (Andy Spice) has put no pressure on me."

Jack Hooper’s late call off two hours before the start at Northwood on Tuesday forced Dowley to name himself in the side for the 4-3 extra-time FA Trophy replay win that sets up a first qualifying round trip to Uxbridge.

Dowley said: "I hadn’t planned to play but Jack had to work. It was my first game for a month and it took me 10 minutes to find my feet and I conceded a penalty."

Elle Kayembe’s winner two minutes from the end put Bourne through. They had led 2-0 with goals by Anthony Hogg, a 25-yard free-kick and Joe Goldsmith’s penalty but the Middlesex side got back on level terms following a free-kick and a penalty to set-up extra-time. Luke Girt put Bourne 3-2 up, only for Northwood to equalise again before Kayembe’s winner.

Dowley added: "Everyone was superb, especially in the second half of extra-time, when we showed a lot of spirit and desire."

Sittingbourne are without a game this weekend.